ImpulseFinalMag (2)

EditorNadia Younes

Deputy EditorLouise Clark

Lifestyle EditorsRachel Campbell, Jessica Lindsay

Arts & Culture EditorCassie Doney

Arts & Culture TeamMichael Gardiner, Richard Jones,

Calum Macdonald, Josiah Whitworth

Sports EditorsGary Henderson, Andrew Ross

Sports TeamLewis Carr, Alan Clark

Online EditorMorag Robertson

Social Media EditorJulie Larsen

Multimedia Editor Michael Millar

Online TeamLisa Brown, Karen Kelly,

Eilidh WalkerProduction Editor

Sean GeddesChief Sub-Editor

Rachel SmallDeputy Sub-Editors

Andy Harbison, Owen O’Donnell

Design and Picture Editors

Amy Grant, Sarah SlaterDesign Team

Claire Dickerson, Vicky Garcia, Katie Hogg, Youran Li,

Chris Martin, Shannon Sargent,Xiaotong Zhang

Distribution ManagerCraig Watson

Advertising & Fundraising Manager

Alix WhiteAdvertising Deputy

Saoirse DochertyFundraising Deputy

Rebecca JollyAdvertising &

Fundraising TeamEllis Beattie, Josh Greatorex

Amber Smith, Heather Thomson

WITH all eyes on Scotland this year, Impulse is back to provide you with an insight in to the nation’s burgeoning

culture from the world of sport, art, music and more.Take our stunning cover star LAW, for instance: she

is a prime example of the kind of raw, home-grown talent many people may not be aware of, yet. Bursting on to Edinburgh’s music scene last year, LAW caught the attention of music fans aplenty and 2014 looks to be a big year for her. We spoke to her before she achieves her imminent world domination.

As well as showcasing emerging Scottish talents, however, we also take a look at established figures like, championship golfer, Colin Montgomerie OBE, who spoke to us about family life and his golfing legacy.

We also delved deeper into the lives of some of Scotland’s power couples and how they’re making it together in their businesses.We spoke to the well-established interior designers James and Mary of Hollijon and Phillips, the up and coming Rich and Amanda of urban fashion brand Abandon Ship Apparel and the ever-expanding luxury chocolatiers James and Paul of Cocoa Mountain.

Make sure to try out our Augmented Reality feature by scanning the cover with the Layer app - flip over to the last page for more information. This will lead you to our website for more unique content. We hope

to get you as excited as we are about some of the country’s most promising talents. So sit back, relax and indulge yourself in this year’s edition of Impulse.

With special thanks to Clare Trodden & Neil Braidwood

Nadia Younes

Impulse magazine is produced by BA Journalism students from the School of Arts & Creative Industries, Edinburgh Napier University.The views and opinions within this publication are not necessarily those of Edinburgh Napier University themselves.

www.impulsemag-online.com2 3Impulse

C NTENTS

20 Breaking LAWExclusive interview with up-and-coming musician, and this issue’s cover star, LAW

37 Luck of the drawA peek into the life of an illustrator

32 Turn & face the strangeIs alternative art on the rise?

38 Rhyme & reasonScotland’s oral tradition gets a hip makeover

40 The writing’s on the wallWorld renowned artist Elph discusses street art

44 ScienceGrrl powerBreaking the glass ceiling in the science labs

46 Perfect in printThrow out your Kindle because books are back

48 Once upon a dreamFairytales aren’t just for children

50 Peeling off the waxAberdeen’s music producers on vinyl legacy

54 DIY or dieHow technology has changed music forever

55 Sound & visionVJ Planet Arm lights up the capital

56 The Kenyan trailMcColgan is following in her mother’s footsteps

59 Square goWrestling’s back, so get in the ring

60 Millar’s last lapExclusive interview before the cyclist hangs up his helmet

62 A glimmer of goldOnes to watch at the Commonwealth Games

24 A bite of something specialThe café starting a social revolution

26 Wingin’ itMeet the Lord of the Wings

28 24 hours in BrooklynThe best of the Big Apple borough

30 I want ScandiWe’ve caught Scandimania, have you?

31 When the golfer’s awayEscape the great outdoors in these luxurious spas

64 Sweet like chocolateWhere to find Edinburgh’s tastiest treats

4 Meet MontyGolf legend Colin Montgomerie reveals his life off the course

16 We’re with the brandThe designer who is casting a spell on the fashion world

10 The business of loveScotland’s own First Couples share the secrets of their success

ON THE COVER

Lifestyle

Arts & Culture

Sport

SUMMER 2014

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28

16

40

4

4 www.impulsemag-online.com 5Impulse Sport

COLIN Montgomerie is one of the greatest golfers this country has ever produced.

Yet despite all of his success and the wealth he has acquired over his professional career, he remains a humble, pleasant and humorous man.

He does, however, have the one thing required to be a true champion – a burning desire to win at all costs.

Even now, aged 50, ‘Monty’ still has the hunger and desire to succeed. His recent entry on to the Champions Tour is a testament to that.

“I have that huge ambition still,” he said. “I have never lost that. I’m finding that the more I am playing out there on the Champions Tour, the more I am enjoying it.”

Colin laughs at the claim that he is widely regarded as the greatest golfer to have never won a major: “Well I would rather be seen as the best player to have never won one than

the second best. Obviously it does pain me to have been second on five occasions, but at the same time I wouldn’t change my career. Now I have to look forward; onwards and upwards.”

I glanced over at a cabinet in the room, filled with trophies and medals. It was inspiring to see that a man who has already achieved so much still has the desire to win. Looking back on his career, it is remarkable what he has achieved in golf: 31 titles on the European Tour, the fourth highest of all time. >

Colin Montgomerie talks family, golf and why he is happy to be known as the best

golfer to have never won a major

MEET MONTY

Colin Montgomerie

Fact File

Born in Glasgow on 23 June 1963

Joined pro tour in 1988

Won 31 titles on the European Tour (fourth highest) with his

first win in 1989

Now plays on the Champions Tour for over 50s

Awarded an OBE in 2005 for services to golf

Inducted to World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013

Opposite: Monty at home with his familyThis page: The Maggie's Centre, Aberdeen

All photos courtesy of Lynsey Knowles


> As we discussed some of the high points of his career, it was clear what ranked highest on his own personal list of achievements: “The three in a row at Wentworth was the highlight for me. To win the flagship event on the European Tour three times in a row, that was special. They definitely stand out for me.”

However, the life of a professional golfer is not always as glamorous as it seems. It can be hard constantly being the subject of tabloid scrutiny and being separated from your loved ones for long periods of time.

His wife, Gaynor, reminded Colin that he was going on a family outing later that day. The time he does get to spend at home with his family is

cherished: “I’m away sometimes for over half of the year so it’s family time when I come home. We go to St. Andrews to walk the dogs and we just spend time together. People ask me: what is my favourite holiday destination? I just say my own bed.”

Moving away from golf, I asked Colin about The Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation, which was set up in his mother's honour and helps cancer sufferers and their families: “It’s something that I feel obligated to do, to give something back to the world.

“I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this. We have raised over £3m for the Aberdeen project, and over £1m for the Lanarkshire one, which opens in June. We build centres for cancer patients and their loved ones to come in and receive help and advice. We

wish that nobody had to come to the centre, but we are

there for people and their families and that is so

important.”He is a man grateful

for what golf has given him in life. It’s refreshing to see such an elite sportsman so eager to give something back.

This is highlighted in his work with the Colin

Montgomerie Academy at Turnberry golf course: “It’s all

about opportunities, and giving children a chance to play the game.

I was lucky enough to be given an opportunity from a young age as my father was a keen golfer.’’ >

The Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation

The foundation was established in 2007, in memory of Colin's mother who died from cancer in 1991. It began a collaboration with Maggie's cancer care in 2010.

Together they opened a Maggie's Centre in Aberdeen.

The foundation is working with Maggie's to open another centre in Lanarkshire in June.

The centre offers care and advice for cancer sufferers and their families.

To donate towards the funding of the new centre, or to find out more about both charities work, visit their websites, listed below.

www.elizabethmontgomerie.orgwww.maggiescentres.org

‘‘We are there for people

and their families and that is so important”

Opposite: Memorial to Elizabeth MontgomorieThis page: Colin helping to build a Maggie's Centre


Colin’s Ryder Cup Moments

Montgomerie’s Ryder Cup record is 20 wins, 9 losses and 7 draws, which gives him a total tally of 23.5 points – just 1.5 points behind all-time record holder Nick Faldo.

He was the match-play master, having never lost a singles match at the Ryder Cup.

In 1997 he won a crucial match to clinch the cup for Europe, and also sank the winning putt in the 2004 event.

In 2009, it was announced that he would captain the European team in the 2010 Ryder Cup.Europe won 14 ½ - 13 ½ at Celtic Manor.

He was named BBC Sport’s Personality of the Year’s Coach of the Year in 2010 following his Ryder Cup triumph.

> ‘‘However without opportunity, how do we know how good some of these kids are? There could be another Tiger Woods down the road, or round the corner. How can we know if we don’t give kids opportunities? The academy was set up with this in mind. Not to necessarily find the next big talent, but to give our children the opportunity to try new things.”

We had been chatting for quite some time, and his dogs were now barking in anticipation of their walk.

However, before it was time to say our goodbyes, we quickly shifted our conversation on to the state of the game in Scotland: “You go through stages, there are always good times and bad times. It wasn’t long ago that England only had one player in the top 100 in the world and people were asking what was wrong. What we need to remember is that we are a small country and we do okay. England has around 58 million people, but we only

have around five million. So on that basis, I think we do fine. I do think we are coming out of a bad time now though. We have some good up and coming players like Stephen Gallacher who could put us back on the map as a golfing nation.”

It was clear now that Colin had other things to do. It was time for some quality family time, with his wife and children, and of course the dogs. I took one final glance around the interior of his elaborate estate and marvelled at this place that he was lucky enough to call home.

Although it has been a rocky road for Monty, both professionally and personally, he has always bounced back. Now, as he prepares to settle down and enjoy spending some quality time at home with his family, he hopes to be remembered for his charity work and the golfing legacy he has established. Gary Henderson

Monty at the Majors

He may be one of Scotland's greats, but Monty has had his fair share of disappointing Major finals.

At the 1994 US Open, Montgomerie missed out to Ernie Els in a three-man playoff.

At the PGA Championship in 1995, Monty missed out again, in another playoff. This time against Steve Elkington.

In 1997, the US Open slipped out of his grasp once again, when he was beaten by Ernie Els, who won by a single shot.

Monty’s best finish at The Open Championship was in 2005, where he finished second to Tiger Woods, who won by five shots.

In 2006, he finished second at the US Open, having been beaten by Phil Mickelson, again by only one shot.

Opposite: Colin on the courseThis page: With the Ryder Cup, Celtic Manor, 2010

“It’s all about opportunities, and giving children a chance to play the

game”

10 www.impulsemag-online.com 11Impulse Lifestyle

JEN AND Brad, the White Stripes and even Eamonn and Ruth from This Morning: couples who work together often find that

it takes its toll on their relationship. But these twosomes have made it to the top of the career ladder together, and somehow seem to still really get along. What’s that all about?

James and Mary Kelly own Hollijon and Phillips, a successful design firm in the West End of Glasgow. They’ve been married since 1981 and have worked as a team for 30 years. Rich Davies and Amanda Wilson have been together for five and a half years and are already giving the Scottish fashion scene a kick in the right direction. Along with his business partner Duncan, Rich runs urban

fashion label Abandon Ship Apparel. His fiancee Amanda’s works for them as

product developer. James Findlay and Paul Maden met in 1998

and run Cocoa Mountain, a luxury chocolate company

popular with the rich and the famous.

Professionally, there is little to fault, with Abandon Ship boasting a swish new shop in Princes Square, 37,000 followers on Instagram and their clothes now being stocked

by Topman and Asos. Hollijon and Phillips is

holding its own > >

Watch out Kimye, you’ve got nothing on these Scottish power couples

THE BUSINESSOF LOVE

“Two such creatives planning

a wedding is like putting kids in a

candy shop”

Abandon Ship photography throughout: Nicole Reekie

13Impulse Lifestyle

> as the place to go for sumptuous designs tailor-made to your exact specifications, and Cocoa Mountain, specialising in high-end organic chocolate, has attracted fans such as Yoko Ono and even Prince Charles.

Yet, when I utter the phrase “power couple” it is met with embarrassment. Rich and Amanda visibly cringe; the reaction from the others was the same. To them, working together comes naturally and always having someone to keep you in check doesn’t hurt either.

James and Mary have this technique down. Mary says: “I tend to get the client that suits my temperament and style better, or I’ll pass it on to James if it’s more his kind of thing.”

Delegation is key in Paul and James’ life too.

For them it’s all about “division of labour and doing different tasks” to keep things fresh and ensure there are no clashes within their team.

On the other hand, Rich and Amanda aren’t afraid to just throw it out there

when their opinions differ. The pair has been known to disagree

on occasion – a snake print T-shirt, that caught my eye, seems to have caused a bit of controversy between the pair. When I mention it, Rich starts to laugh as

Amanda pretends to retch.It’s all in jest, though, and

the conversation quickly turns to their impending nuptials. Two such

creative people planning a wedding is like putting kids in a candy shop, and fashion blogger Amanda, AKA Honey Pop Kisses, has given the dressmaker strict instructions. >

“I would have Phillip feeding

from a bottle and be on the phone

to clients”

From top: Inside Abandon Ship’s flagship store, a selection of chocolates from Cocoa Mountain, inside the Hollijon and Phillips store.Right: James and Mary Kelly of Hollijon and Phillips Hollijon and Phillips photography

throughout: Esme Kirsch

15Impulse Lifestylewww.impulsemag-online.com14

> The guest list will be a who’s who of Scottish fashion but a certain two VIPs will not be in attendance - their beagle pug cross dogs Lady and Honey Bee. The ‘puggles’ are ‘Insta-famous’ and seem to have the status of the children in the household. Amanda says: “A couple of our friends said we should get them to be our ring-bearers. I was like ‘No, they will run away.’ Our rings will be in a forest lost somewhere!”

James and Mary are a perfect example of a couple who have learnt to balance family life with business. The company is even named after their children. Mary laughs: “I would have Phillip feeding from a bottle and be on the phone to clients on the other side.” It’s obviously in the blood as both their sons went on to do architecture and product design at university.

With their first grandchild on the way in August, it seems there might even be another little designer in the family too.

For Durness based chocolatiers Paul and

James, marriage and family is not on the cards, just yet, as the pair are focused on the expansion of their business. Cocoa Mountain has continued to grow since its inception in 2006. What began as a shop in a remote village

on the edge of the British Isles is now world-renowned. They have sold

their chocolates to everyone from US senators to Russian

oligarchs. The shop has also featured on Channel 4’s Big British Food Map.

Paul and James are intensely focused on expanding the business

into a global brand but one day will “hopefully have

some time off to enjoy the fruits of [their] labour”. They’ll

certainly be kept busy too by their brood of four Labradors and three cats.

So what’s the secret? These couples seem to have it sussed without really even thinking about it. “It really is just compatibility. So much of our life is laughing,” says James. “There is no secret,” jokes Rich. “We just like each other.” And it really is that easy. Jessica Lindsay

Opposite: James Findlay and Paul Maden of Cocoa MountainThis page: a selection of their Easter treats

Cocoa Mountain photos courtesy of James Findlay and Paul Maden

“They have sold their chocolates to everyone from US senators to Russian

oligarchs”

www.impulsemag-online.com16 17Impulse Arts & Culture

SAT AMONG the cosy couches of Fredrick’s Coffee House, fashion newbie Lynette Gray

sips her coffee and stares out on to the sunny capital. She’s wearing a grey beanie hat and a glamorous leopard print coat. She has an aura of enchantment surrounding her. She’s glued to her brand’s Instagram page.

She looks up, catlike, and explains: “Without social media I wouldn’t be anywhere. There would be no Angelpixielove without Instagram. It’s an amazing thing.”

Although drawing is her passion, Lynette admits that she went through a chaotic journey before finding her feet. She hated school and lacked confidence, so at the age of 16 she left and took up a full-time position at Next. After five years she left the company and indulged in jaunts to London, Australia and Ibiza before training as a hairdresser for two years.

This career path was also not for her: “I loved the creative side of stuff. The actual hairdressing I hated, I was nervous. I was pulling my hair out, and I was thinking ‘what can I do that

will get my creativity across?’ But I hadn’t drawn for years. I read a book called The Artist’s Way which gives you little exercises and makes you realise that everyone’s creative.”

She adds: “I used to draw all the time and I just stopped drawing when I was 16. So I hadn’t drawn for so long and then after reading the book I thought ‘I’m going to start drawing again because it’s something I’d like to do.’ So I would just sit with a pencil and paper and just draw away.” >

WE’RE WITH THE

BRANDThe creative genius behind Angelpixielove talks about being new to the fashion world, tattoos and motherhood

‘‘There would be no

Angelpixielove without

Instagram”

www.angelpixielove.com

Opposite: Photo taken from Lynette Gray’s Instagram (@angelpixielove)

This page: Lynette’s famous slogan tees and leggings

Photography throughout: John Need


The FutureThe brand Angelpixielove is starting to make waves in the Edinburgh fashion scene, although Lynette dreams of bigger things: “I want it to go massive! We’ve named APL, [the men’s range] and I’ve met with tattoo artist, John Hamilton, to work on designs. My designs for them are very girly and inspired by me, so I want him to come in and do some bits and pieces and make the guys’ side. I’d like to sell other people’s products. I remember ASOS when they started up years ago, they were a small company and now they are a massive success. To be something like that in 15 years’ time is my absolute dream.”

The Dream>Lynette teamed up with her brother and started designing. She explains the idea behind her ‘I love your face’ slogan designs: “From a young age my son was obsessed with my face: ‘Mummy I love your face, I’ll touch your face.’ So that’s where that came from. We weren’t going to put it on a T-shirt - I asked my brother and he thought it was a bit cringey. But we did it and they are probably the only T-shirts that sell. People like it and it’s all about love.”

Last September, the brand’s first photo-shoot took place and, in December, the website launched. Lynette called in

favours from her friends and utilised social media as much as possible to publicise her pop-up shop events. This has worked in her favour as stars such as singer Rita Ora are said to be fans. But she hasn’t stopped there: “I’m actually reaching out to a lot of people with my designs. I love pin up girls, I love tattoos.”

Lynette passes me a business card with her Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and email on it, exposing the fairy tattoo on her forearm. She

is a woman of many talents; discovering her calling

and becoming a settled mum and businesswoman in her 30s. I ask her for the best advice she can give to a budding fashion

designer. She thinks for a moment then

smiles: “It doesn’t really matter if it doesn’t happen

because at least you’ve tried to do something you want to do. Do what your heart tells you.” This seems to have worked for Lynette’s business venture so far.Katie Hogg

Instagram Inspiration

Follow these accounts for tips on how to become #instafamous.

@ScotStreetStyle is a community for Scotland’s photogenic fashionistas, from designers to bloggers.

@cherwebbmakeup is the senior artist for MAC. Her celebrity canvases have included the likes of Grace Jones, Tom Hardy and Dame Helen Mirren.

@chrisjohnmillington is Scotland’s fuzzy-faced poster boy. He uses Instagram to promote his range of male grooming products and modelling portfolio, as well as posting a selfie or two with fans.

Opposite and this page: More of Lynette’s designs, including a selection from the menswear range

“To be something like ASOS in 15 years’ time is my absolute dream”


LAUREN Holt, also known as LAW, is one of Edinburgh’s brightest new musical talents. Her eclectic fusing of

pop, hip-hop, soul and just about every other genre under the sun has been gathering praise from music moguls up and down the country. Along with her good friends and recent touring pals, Young Fathers, LAW is part of Edinburgh’s exciting experimental music movement, which is quickly picking up speed.

Meeting at Edinburgh’s Underground Solu’shn, LAW seems completely at home browsing through the store’s wide selection of records. She has an incredibly striking look, with her shaved head, flawless skin and heavy eyeliner: “Well, this isn’t anything to do with the music, I’ve always looked like this so it wasn’t really a conscious decision, it seemed to fit together.”

The look on her face upon noticing a Young Fathers CD at the front of the store is one of sheer pride. Since being introduced by their mutual manager, Tim Brinkhurst, aka Timothy

London of 90s pop group Soho fame, they have worked incredibly closely together: “It’s good to meet like-minded people who want to do mad stuff, so I met the boys and Graham and Tim asked if I wanted to go in to the studio and write to a beat. We did Hustle that day and just kept

doing more and more.”Graham, ‘G’, Hastings from Young Fathers and Tim

Brinkhurst produced the music for LAW’s debut EP, Haters and Gangsters, which was released free online in February, just a day after the release

of Young Fathers’ debut album, Dead. With their

unique take on hip-hop beats and soulful vocals, the collective

are considered to be part of a growing experimental music scene in Edinburgh: “I think it maybe comes across as more of a scene here because Edinburgh doesn’t really have much of a scene...so it’s kind of coming through a bit more and that’s good because people want to try and make something out of it.”

When we meet, LAW has just come back >

Rising experimental artist LAW talks pushing boundaries and playing by her own rules

BREAKING

LAWOpposite: LAW outside Underground Solu’shn on Cockburn Street

This page: We love LAW’s wristwatch tattoo and unique style

Photography throughout: Zoe McArthur

“It’s good to meet like-minded people

who want to do mad stuff”


> from supporting Young Fathers on a full UK tour, which took them from Glasgow’s Stereo, for the band’s album launch, to London’s Elektrowerkz. She spoke about how she feels she has benefitted from being a developing artist in Edinburgh, rather than London: “There’s a lot of benefits to being in London but it’s good if you’re trying to develop yourself to be out of it for a bit because it’s kind of high pressure there. But here you can come back and just know that it’s fine trying to do stuff and then go there when you choose to.”

Still very much in the infancy of her musical career, and already being championed by tastemakers such as Vic Galloway and Lauren Laverne, LAW is on track to become one of Scotland’s most promising new exports. And with the luxury of being surrounded by such a talented group of friends, this “family project,” as she calls it, is certainly blossoming nicely.Nadia Younes

Head to impulsemag-online.com and check out our exclusive video of our day record shopping with LAW

St. Vincent - St. Vincent

“I think she’s probably one of the women right now who is

doing something really forward-thinking and cool. She’s a proper

musician and I like her voice too.”

Jimmy Cliff - Brave Warrior

“I think out of all the reggae artists, he has the most

distinctive, mad voice. He has a really great tune to his voice, it’s really clear.”

LAW’S TOP PICKS

Nuggets - Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era,

1965-1968

“I have this at home, it’s great. It’s a compilation of loads of psych bands. It’s always good to get

these compilations because you can find so much more

from them.”


The book looks at how to tackle different social problems such as homelessness, feeding the poor and protecting our planet.

Josh threw away the new and exciting events company that he set up after university to chase a life he knew would never make him an exceptional amount of money, but instead might help change the planet, one bite at a time.

It sounds like an idealistic view but Josh believed he could make a difference. So he and Alice decided to pay Muhammad Yunus a little visit.

Far from their Edinburgh home, in Bangladesh, Josh claims he was “treated like David Beckham” as many people there had never seen a white

person. Here the ideas started mounting.He came back to Scotland and was inspired

to sacrifice his company and open up a social business which donates all its profits to charity.

SOMETHING

IT TOOK one idea. It took one trip to Bangladesh. And it took one selfless act by one couple from Edinburgh. It might sound

like the beginning of an exotic expedition in some far off land, but it was actually the setting up of a social business in the city.

Social Bite was the brainchild of Josh Littlejohn and his girlfriend Alice Thompson. The concept of the business is that it doesn’t aim to make money; no one who works for or with Social Bite will ever get rich.

Every single penny of profit goes to charity, co-founder Josh coolly remarked as he shrugged off the selflessness of it: “I just thought it was a cool idea.” An idea which was birthed when he read Nobel Peace Prize Winner; Professor Muhammad Yunus’ book ‘Creating A World With No Poverty’.

In 2012 their first shop Social Bite, opened on Rose Street. Not only does their profit go to charity but they let customers buy a suspended coffee or something to eat. Josh said: “Our customers are office workers mainly.” So, while you’re buying a sandwich and drink on your lunch break, you can pay for another meal. Then later on, a homeless person is able to pick up something to eat or drink that was paid for in advance. “It saves them waiting around at the end of the day,” explained Josh.

So far 90 operations to cure blindness have been donated to an eye care hospital in Bangladesh and money has been raised for Shelter Scotland alongside a micro-loan foundation in Malawi.

And the wonders don’t quite stop there. Currently, one in three people employed by Social Bite are ex-homeless people who Josh believes “might not have got jobs anywhere

else”. So it’s not only helping people who are in a bad situation, but it’s helping others out of them.

The company’s success is growing, as are their branches. A second Edinburgh store opened on Shandwick Place at the end of last year and their first Glasgow store opened earlier this year.

Executive chef, Mike Mathieson has worked in Michelin starred restaurants and prepares delicious seasonal menus.

If you feel like eating something that does good as well as tastes good, drop in to experience Social Bite.

It will only take you one meal to fall in love with this social revolution. Rachel Campbell

A young couple changing their city, one sandwich at a time

Opposite and below: Inside Social BiteThis page: The Social Bite team with their donation for Shelter Scotland

Photos courtesy of Josh Littlejohn and Nadia Younes

A BITE OF


If you’re not too chicken, get down to the bones of the matter at Wings

JUST off The Royal Mile on Old Fishmarket Close the unassuming shop-front does very well to disguise the craziness inside.

“I’m not a scientist, I’m just a chicken seller,” says Adam Hepburn, founder of Wings restaurant in Edinburgh, who is so laid-back he’s almost horizontal. He speaks matter-of-factly, modest about his unique brainchild which seems to be creating a huge buzz all over the city.

As for the menu, if you don’t like chicken wings, you’re pretty much scunnered, although vegetarians can get a cheesy

chenga (deep fried, cheese filled tortilla) with any sauce on the regular menu. And, there are a lot of sauces. Among these are the mouth-watering Chickano chipotle ranch wings, the New Worlders smothered in maple syrup, dill

and bacon bits and the Nam Phrickin’ Amazing sriracha buffalo wings.

By far the most refreshing thing about the place, however,

is the atmosphere. Adam prefers Wings to be called a ‘snackstaurant’ rather than a bar or restaurant. He says: “I wanted it to be the kind of

place where people can turn up, have something to eat, have a

beer, play a game (on the Nintendo 64 and wide screen TV downstairs),then

WINGIN’ IT

hang out or do whatever they want.” This is an antidote to many a restaurant - no stuffy atmosphere, no dress code, just a bucket for your bones and loads of great quality food. When Adam is asked why he thinks people are shunning fine dining in favour of this more relaxed style, he thinks it’s fairly simple: “People don’t want to have to find an excuse to go out to eat, like an anniversary or birthday. They just want to come down and get some chicken.”

Wings began as a pop-up last year. Adam used this as a sort of project after seeing that there were “more places to get chicken wings in the US than there are pubs here.” It was extremely well received, and the restaurant (sorry, snackstaurant) opened at the end of last year. He attributes this success to a high concentration of students in Edinburgh, particularly from the US - home of the hit television show Man Vs. Food. That and delicious food with laid-back, friendly service, was a winning combination for success.

Another term that Adam has coined is “rushed chic,” regarding the décor in the restaurant. Upstairs the style is very relaxed with quirky interiors and tables covered in pop-culture magazine clippings and postcards. So, when you order your food, you won’t have a table number but you might be at the Star Trek table, or the 50s pin-up table. Squishy sofas downstairs add to the vibe.

A feature of note is definitely the “wall of flame” which documents the triumphant winners of the aptly named “suicide challenge”. Brave diners have to consume a bowl of seriously hot wings. When quizzed as to what was in them, Adam said: “Some of these challenges have ghost chillies or habaneros, but what I decided to do was just

use all of the chillies. I just took all of the bad bits from all of the chillies

and put it in the sauce.” He says: “We don’t see the

point in using a legal waiver like some

challenges, but we definitely warn people off it. I’ll just be like ‘Seriously do not eat these.” Gulp.

One tale involved a

guitar player in The Lion King

orchestra. On his break between the

matinee and evening performance, he decided,

against his better judgement, to go up for the “suicide challenge”.

This resulted in some very sore fingers when playing later that night. Another involved a rugby player who completed the challenge only to immediately go to the toilets. Need I say more?

Despite the scary challenges, however, the service is anything but. It’s the perfect place to kick back and fill up with as much chicken as you can handle. As Adam says: “I don’t understand why people can’t just be served good food by friendly, smiling staff and everyone is happy.”Jessica Lindsay

This page: Owner, Adam HepburnOpposite: Staff member, James Slaven

Photography: Nadia Younes


24 HOURS IN

10AM: If you’re lucky enough to be in Brooklyn on a weekend, a visit to the Brooklyn Flea Market (stall pictured opposite page) is a must. Throughout the summer, the market is held outdoors at several locations across Brooklyn, where you can enjoy a leisurely day perusing an array of items; ranging from antiques, vintage clothing, jewellery and collectable records from up to 200 vendors. During the winter months, however, the market is held indoors and this year it moved to a new, and much larger, location in Williamsburg, allowing you to mingle with the local hipsters while you browse through the stalls.

TIP: If you can, try and make it to the Brooklyn Flea for one of their twice-yearly record fairs where various vendors, including popular indie record labels, Captured Tracks and Mexican Summer, set up stalls selling a wide range of new and second hand records.

1PM: If you’re feeling a bit peckish after all that shopping, grab a bite to eat from the Smorgasburg section of the market. Here, you’ll find some of Brooklyn’s most renowned food vendors, offering up a wide variety of foods from all over the world. From the famous Ramen Burger to the S’more Bakery, there really is something to tingle everyone’s

taste buds.

TIP: The Mac & Cheese from the Milk

Truck (pictured left) is delicious washed down with a Hot Spiced Apple Lemonade Cider from the BeeHive Oven. And for

the sweet-toothed among you, Dough

has the most incredible selection of doughnuts

you are likely to come across.

3PM: Once the market has taken its toll on you, go for a wander around New York’s trendy Williamsburg area where you’ll find

many unique cafes, bars and vintage shops. Williamsburg is also home to one of New York’s most illustrious sex shops so, if you are that way inclined, pop in to SHAG for a bit of harmless afternoon fun.

TIP: Grab a coffee from Cafe El Beit, which boasts “the best coffee in town”, and their peanut butter cookies aren’t bad either. If the weather’s nice, take a seat on one of the benches outside and have a gander at some of the eccentric Williamsburg locals.

7PM:If you’re looking for an authentic Italian pizzeria experience for dinner, then look no further than Grimaldi’s. Located directly underneath the Brooklyn Bridge,

Relive it in Edinburgh

For a similar Flea Market experience, look out for one of Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fairs (www.judysvintagefair.co.uk) held in various locations across the UK.

If you’re after an American dining experience, then Wannaburger is as close as it gets. Serving American style fast food burgers, it’s the Shake Shack of Edinburgh. Look out for their monthly deals.

The best coffee in Edinburgh can be found at Artisan Roast. With two cafes in the city, a visit is a must for any coffee lover.

Grimaldi’s has been ranked New York’s number one pizza and it certainly lives up to the hype.

TIP: Due to its popularity, the restaurant is normally very busy and you may have to queue for a table, but

try not to be put off as it is well worth the wait.

9PM: Take a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy an illuminated view of the Manhattan skyline

at night. It’s well worth the trek.

TIP: If you are even the slightest bit scared of heights, don’t look down. Trust me.

Go to www.visitbrooklyn.org for more information and tips.Nadia Younes

“Enjoy an illuminated

view of the Manhattan skyline

at night”

BROOKLYNThe essential things to do in the hip New York borough

Photos courtesy of Milk Truck and Brooklyn Flea


I WANT SCANDI

OVER the past year or so you may have noticed that the UK has been slowly but steadily invaded. Not

necessarily an invasion of our land, but of our minds; the topics of our workplace conversations, our politics and even our fashion choices. We are being influenced by people who don’t even know they are doing it – Scandinavians.

They have crept onto our television screens with addictive crime dramas such as Borgen and The Killing. They have slunk into our kitchens with cookery shows like Jamie Does… Scandinavia with the Naked Chef Jamie Oliver, and the more recent Scandimania where Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall travels from Denmark to Sweden, sampling traditional dishes.

Our clothes are also becoming Scandi-cool too, thanks to brands like Monki, Cheap Monday and Acne. Our airwaves are always being flooded with Scandinavian pop stars like Robyn and Lykke Li.

Ambassadors of the ‘Yes’ campaign for Scottish Independence have even referred to states like Finland and Norway when discussing the benefits of being a small, independent nation.

Some still believe in the stereotype of Scandinavian people spending their days buried

under six feet of snow or crammed into a sauna. But, while they do love a good

steam - the Finnish army has been known to build rudimentary

saunas out in the field - there are more similarities than we think, which may be what endears us to such a seemingly alien people.

The winters are harsh, something we can certainly

empathise with in Scotland. Their way of having fun in sub-zero

temperatures is also not entirely different, as they definitely enjoy a tipple or three. Just like our own celebrations, heavy drinking is accepted, if not compulsory, for the Norse

people. Our meat and fish heavy diet is also similar to theirs.One major difference, however,

is their “just get on with it” approach. It is very rare to hear

Scandinavians complain, a favoured pastime of the Brits. But perhaps it would be a welcome break.

It’s not hard to see why people find the Scandinavian

way of life so appealing. The bandwagon is in town, why not hop

on and see what all the fuss is about. Andy Harbison

SCOTLAND is world renowned for its outstanding golf courses that attract some celebrity names and big tournaments.

But for many of us a birdie is nothing more than a chirpy flying creature and a wedge is a comfortable summer heel. Luckily many of the country’s premier golf resorts feature luxurious spas to hide away in if your companion is ‘holed up’ on the green.

The five-star Gleneagles Hotel will play host to the Ryder Cup this year, which means they’ve really stepped up their game in terms of amenities. They have partnered with upmarket skincare brand ESPA, and quality is at the forefront of the spa’s ethos. You are advised to arrive at least an hour before treatments to fully immerse yourself, enjoying the crystal steam room, sauna and massaging vitality pool. There’s even ice rubs and an arctic mist shower for those looking for a truly luxurious experience.

The spa at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews boasts the first Kohler Waters experience outside of the US. The company specialises in hydrotherapy and bathing treatments, using Vichy products, encouraging guests both to invigorate and unwind.

Closer to Glasgow is Mar Hall, whose spa uses only Decleor products. Decleor are famed for their facial aromatherapy oils.

Back in St Andrews is the Fairmont. The spa is designed around Celtic folklore and has the ingredients to match; Scottish oats, North Sea salt and Highland pine all appear in their massages, scrubs and facials. The Crest of the Cliff treatment lets clients enjoy a foot massage and full body oatmeal scrub. Perfect after a brisk walk in the country - or time spent begrudgingly following someone round a golf course in the Scottish drizzle. Jessica Lindsay

WHEN THEGOLFER’S

Escape from the green and get into the steam

AWAYScandinavia is more than just Eurovision and crime dramas

Helsinki Harbour

Barosund

Loviisa

Photography: Sofia von Bonsdorff

Above: photo courtesy of Gleneagles HotelBelow: photo courtesy of Fairmont Spa, St Andrews


ART USED to be a clear-cut construct; it was oil paintings in gilt frames and marble

statues selling in auction houses and galleries for the price of a small mortgage. However, art has taken a step away from the traditional. Artists are experimenting with new mediums and themes in their work.

They reinvent old techniques like photography or sculpture in order to say something new about our society. But are alternative art forms gaining the recognition they deserve? And how does Edinburgh embrace this new form of culture?

Tania Kovats is a sculptural artist who works primarily in non-traditional landscapes. She uncovers patterns and movements from the natural world in an abstract way, and believes that the role of modern art is

to “be apart from everything else, and hold its own status or space

that takes you out of what is familiar.”

Her most recent exhibition was held

in the Fruitmarket Gallery and was a conceptual piece about the oceans of the world. It incorporated bottles of seawater that people sent her from all over the globe. She has also previously exhibited

in the Natural History Museum in

London. Tania says

Are we ready to accept modern art from modern people?

THE STRANGETURN & FACE

that Edinburgh is a uniquely inspiring place for contemporary artists to work.

“Edinburgh is an important cultural city that is interestingly self-reflective. It seems to think deeply about what it is, where it’s come from and where it is heading. Not many cities have such an interesting conversation going on about their own identity.”

Sam Jack, a textiles artist and gallery curator, sees contemporary art as a way to handle and promote discussion of social issues. “There’s less of a focus on the ‘gallery setting’ and more of a focus on opinion, public setting and politics.”

Art has always been used as a means to give a voice to those who lack one, and Sam’s views on how alternative art can influence change are

apparent through the community art shows she has curated. She is optimistic at how new art forms will continue to develop and earn regard

in Edinburgh; “I think there is potential for an even stronger community element

to the scene.”Robyn Myna is a photographer

and sculptor living and working in Edinburgh. Her work challenges the idea of sex and gender, and explores the role of

the internet in the modern world. Contemporary art is often used

to examine the parts of life that are seen as taboo; it acts as a distorted funhouse

mirror with which we can take a rare and honest look at ourselves, society and the human condition as a whole.

Like Sam, Robyn sees alternative art as a new form of activism, and agrees that it is >

To see more of Sam Jack’s work visit:www.sajackart.wix.com/thespacebetweenPhoto courtesy of artist, Sam Jack

Photo courtesy of artist, Tania Kovats - Mountains

“Edinburgh is interestingly

self-reflective”


The National Gallery of Modern Art is a favourite, displaying work by Tracey Emin and Andy Warhol.

Pop into the Fruitmarket Gallery next to Waverley Station – home to a wide variety of modern art pieces.

To step off the beaten track, try the Collective Gallery on Cockburn Street, which displays work by emerging Scottish contemporary artists.

Also on Cockburn Street is Edinburgh’s first gallery dedicated to photography, Stills.

> gaining respect from more traditional sectors. “The first ever digital art auction recently took place in New York. I think that’s symbolic of the shift towards more recognition and respect of modern art practices.”

As alternative art spreads out from the cultural epicentres of New York, London and Paris, it gains more legitimacy and becomes an accepted form of expression. The Turner Prize – one of the most prestigious art events in the calendar – focuses mainly on conceptual work. It was

most recently hosted in Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland; the first time it has left England since it began in 1984. Alternative art is beginning to travel and this will not only help artists gain recognition – it will also inspire others to start their own work.

Edinburgh has art running through the veins of its streets; there will always be the need for new blood. There is certainly no shortage of talented candidates working, living, and exhibiting in the city today.

Although artists are challenging the boundaries of traditional media, the overriding themes of their work remain the same. Sex, death, politics and nature have been fundamental motifs in art since cavemen dabbed images of their kill on stone walls.

Just because art can now be created on a computer or using bottles of water, it does not mean that it has become more removed from us.

With alternative art gaining a footing in galleries and grassroots organisations alike, we venture into new territory - one where nothing is off limits. Cassie Doney

Edinburgh highlights

Robyn Myna

Sam Jack

To see more of Robyn Myna’s work visit: http://datsueba.comPhoto courtesy of artist, Robyn Myna

Robyn Myna

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37Impulse Arts & Culture

She’s the new girl on the blockI set up Leopards Lunch as a brand for my illustrations in 2012, although I really didn’t know what direction it would take at the time. I picked up freelance work through contacts and agencies and am now starting to produce my own illustrated products to sell online (www.leopardslunch.com) and also at different boutiques and markets in London.

She’s already made wavesMy career highlights so far have been the work I did on Kopparberg’s Eclectics range - seeing my illustrations printed on the side of their festival bar at Field Day was pretty awesome. I also loved working with nail artists H&H Nails on their 2014 Lookbook, which was displayed at their nail bar at Paris Fashion Week.

She’s always had passionI have always enjoyed drawing and was good at art in school. My dad was an architect and is an amazing illustrator so I think the arty gene was passed down to me. Bizarrely, even though both of my parents have jobs in the arts - my mum is

an opera singer - I didn’t really consider this as a career for me when I was 17. I think that may have been down to my school which was very focused on the academic side of education.

She’s got ambitionMy aim is to build the brand and

product range gradually - I am working on my business plan

at the moment so it’s fairly embryonic at this stage,

but my dream would be to have my products stocked in Liberty’s of London.

She’s a grafter Financially it has been hard - I went from a full-time job to ad hoc work. Also when I started, I did a lot of free work to build my portfolio and get my name out there. I have a part

time job which helps me to pay the bills but

I’m just very lucky I have an understanding husband

who supports me. For someone like me who started later in life and

has still got so much to learn, it can be very daunting. There is so much talent out there and it can be hard to maintain confidence in your own ability. Katie Hogg

LUCK OF THE DRAWLondon-based artist and founder of Leopards Lunch, Kate Philipson, talks

about her life as an illustrator

JUST G BOUTIQUE: Guilt-free fashion

JUST G Boutique sits on West Port, among the Edinburgh Grassmarket’s scene of

independent shops. Its glass front lets out a warm inviting glow, mirroring the reception you receive inside.

The stylish interior is home to rails lined with clothes from exciting brands including Petit Bateau, Fever Designs and A Postcard from Brighton. The clothes are high quality, ethically produced and sold at high street prices.

Unlike the high street, however, the pieces aren’t mass-produced and there is often only one in each size; so you won’t have to worry about anyone else turning up to a party in the same dress as you.

Gail, the owner, is happy to talk you through the clothes and will help you find something you love. For a

special event with a difference, why not try one of the store’s private shopping evenings, which are available on request – the

perfect party present for your fashion-savvy friends.

If you are in to high-end, ethical fashion that won’t break the bank, then look no further than independent boutique, Just G.

Visit us: www.justgboutique.co.uk Like our Facebook pageor follow us on Twitter

ADVERTISING FEATURE


HAS EDINBURGH ever seemed so fruitful? Probably, for it is a very fruitful city. But in the world of spoken

word performance, it is certainly a ripe scene ready to be picked up, made into jam, eaten up by an audience and called a poetry slam.

Call it performance poetry, call it spoken word, call it post-modern-lo-fi-vocalism-pop, call it whatever you like; it’s happening all over Edinburgh, if you know where to look.

Scots love an “aul shtory” and a chat. They love whining, moaning, getting things off their chest, expression. Look no further than Billy Connolly or Arab Strap. Both brilliantly funny, wry story

tellers and wordsmiths. Perhaps that’s why performance poetry has fed its way into the minds of the city’s creative population, as well as its pubs and literary haunts.

It all originated in mid-1980s NYC, when inspired performance artists

began to introduce spoken literature to their movement pieces. Soon after this, competitive poetry "slams" emerged in jazz lounges and clubs across America. These slams proved to be

very popular. They mixed the gladiatorial nature of competition

against the art of written word along with the emotion of performance.

The first national level slam kicked off in San Francisco in 1990 and, in 2002, HBO

broadcast the first poetry-based commercial TV programme Def Poetry Jam. Here the medium gained the attention of a mass audience through the likes of hip-hop influenced Saul Williams and presenter Mos Def.

The slam movement has been likened and contrasted to the revered "Beat Generation" of the 1950s. This movement spawned some of the most exciting writers in living memory, from Ginsberg, to Kerouac to Kesey. Could Edinburgh be cultivating such talent within its bonnie crooks and crannies?

Miko Berry, Scottish Slam Champion, and Kevin Mclean of the Loud Poets spoke to me about Edinburgh’s poetical prospects and their self-proclaimed "spoken word revolution".

So, who are the Loud Poets?Miko – Loud Poets is a collective of slam style poets trying to do something a little bit different from the sort of stuffy image that poetry has - give it some oomph, (with old man accent) "fuh the young ones y’know, keep it excaating".

Slam poetry has that competitive element, can that affect the artistry of poetry?M – It depends who you ask really. I think a lot of poets are quite introverted and socially nervous, so a slam can be a really daunting thing. Like any art, it’s very difficult to say "that was the best poem" or "that was the best poet" because everyone’s got a different opinion so, there’s a lot of criticism for slams.

What defines a great piece of performance poetry? Kevin – It’s getting a good mix of really funny

Forget Wordsworth, slam poets are stepping on to the scene

or topical issues and presenting them in an accessible way. A lot of the time I find - I didn’t do English lit or anything like that - I sometimes don’t really "get" a lot of the more literary poetry.M – The meadows are like your eyes and the green of the envy of my heart and the metaphors of the similes.K – (laughs) It’s just talking about real things in a real way and making it interesting for someone who can’t plough through the language of Shakespeare or whatever and going "here are the same issues" but presented in a more accessible wayM - It’s about having the impact. There’s a lot of poetry out there that is absolutely unspeakably beautiful but doesn’t have the impact because it’s not as accessible.

If you come to Loud Poets, whether you laugh, cry, get angry, or a mix of all three, you’re going to feel something and that’s really the point. Like any great piece of art, be it a song or a film or anything else, it should resonate with you throughout the rest of your life. Josiah Whitworth

RHYME & REASON

Opposite: Rachel Amey performs at the Teviot Underground slamThis page: Loud Poet’s founder, Miko Berry, performs at the group’s launch night

Photography: Chris Scott (Literary Paparazzi)

“It’s just talking about real things

in a real way and making it

interesting”


THE WRITING’SON THE WALL

How our streets are being transformed into a canvas for graffiti

Artwork throughout: ElphSee more at www.akaelph.com

IT DATES back to the ancient civilisations of Greece, Rome and Egypt. It’s been sold for hundreds

of thousands; exhibited in galleries; and you probably walk past it every time you leave your house. With its growing popularity, graffiti is moving out of the shadows and taking pride of place on the face of our cities.

Elph is a street artist who has been painting Edinburgh's walls for over 20 years, covering the city with his unique style of colourful illustrations. He has also become a world famous talent and has exhibited all over the globe alongside icons like Banksy. He spoke to us about why street art is so enduringly popular. >


> Elph explains that the street art scene in Scotland has developed organically over the last few decades. “I started to do graffiti when there wasn’t a real ‘scene’, so I suppose that has changed a lot. In Edinburgh in the 90s it was still mainly graffiti writing that was going on. Some artists did stickers, plus there were some people from the art college who messed a little with putting up posters, but on the whole I rarely remember anyone doing posters or paste-ups until the end of the 90s.”

He says that he and the crews he worked with were inspired by other artists around the globe, including those operating in San Diego and Melbourne.

He credits Adam Neate (one of the best known street artists in the world) for the development of his own ethos: “He got me into the idea of putting artwork up in the street.”

Elph also mentions some home-grown heroes, such as Derm, who he has worked with in the past, and Bernie Reid, who brought stencil techniques back from Paris at the start of the millennium: “He did a load of

multi-layered stencils around the city centre and Leith that were quite influential. His work was quite important; date wise, he was pre-Banksy.”

Part of the appeal of the artwork, Elph says, is its accessibility: “A lot of people like it because it’s not as pretentious or silly as what is

presented to the public as art; it’s fairly straightforward in its

presentation. I also think that the subject matter helps people relate

to it as it is mainly character based.”Overall, Elph believes that street art

adds to, rather than detracts from, the beauty of our urban landscapes: “The colour

plays a big part. Scotland is a grey place a great deal of the time. A little colour goes a long way.”

Take a walk around Edinburgh’s streets or up to one of the ‘legal walls’ - places that the council have designated as free-for-all graffiti zones - and see if you agree. Cassie Doney

Artwork throughout: Elph

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R ECENT figures suggest that while one-third of undergraduates studying STEM subjects – Science, Technology,

Engineering and Maths – are women, only 9% of university professors in these sectors are female, suggesting it is still difficult for women to progress in science. But thanks to a number of schemes, women are finding it easier than ever to achieve within the discipline.

“When my plans fell through to be an astronaut I decided to go into science,” says Sam Hawkings, a biomedical science student in Edinburgh. She is half joking, but her choice of career path makes perfect sense.

“I’ve always loved science. It’s what I have always wanted to do. I want to go into research, perhaps in genetics or immunology, and so far I’ve never experienced any specific discrimination because of my gender”.

ScienceGrrl, a broad-based grassroots organisation which celebrates and supports women in science, is trying to end prejudice

Many women find it hard to make it in sciencebut one organisation plans to change all that

SCIENCEGRRL

POWER

Opposite and this page: Biological science student at workPhotography: Leona Jade Clark

in the field. ScienceGrrl (which can be found at www. sciencegrrl.co.uk) has a division in Edinburgh and runs events through local

universities where established female scientists can pass their knowledge

on to the next generation. How young students view science is

key to encouraging women towards STEM careers.

Sam was encouraged by their outreach events and hopes to go into academia

or research. She found that, while she was not discouraged

to study sciences at school, there was a lack of information on how this

could translate to realistic employment: “No one really explained what jobs you could get after studying physics or chemistry.” She now volunteers with a STEM outreach programme which works with students interested in a career in the field of science.

With organisations like ScienceGrrl making progress, perhaps the next major scientific discovery will be made by a woman. Heather Thomson


PERFECT

THERE is no greater pleasure than curling up on the couch with a good book. Books are companions which

can be carried through life. Tucked in a backpack to read on the train or the bus, while eating lunch, and kept by the bed for late night reading. For a while, it seemed that ebooks and e-readers were going to take over, but that has proved not to be the case. A recent survey revealed that only 4% of people read books on e-readers alone. Why is this?

There are some aspects of a physical book that an ebook just cannot replicate; a folded down corner to mark a favourite passage, a handwritten note casually scrawled in the margin, even a stain or scratch or fold that tells of the book’s history. The favourite book that you spilt coffee on but kept nonetheless.

Ebooks do have some advantages. The main one is that they are light - you can carry a

whole library around with you, something that would cause, at the very least, major back problems with physical books. There are even some ebooks that have incorporated multimedia content, such as videos. There are some fantastic interactive textbooks with

videos, interactive graphics, and audio.

However, these advantages cannot take away from what physical books bring. They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but some are just so beautiful that it would seem churlish not to. In a recent survey, the cover of Joseph Heller’s Catch 22, with its distinctive graphic red devil,

was voted the most iconic book cover ever. To some, no HD retina screen can do justice to the raised engraving and leather bound covers of the old classics. They are tactile, they have a pleasing heft in your hands; you can literally size up a physical book and consider if you are

up to its challenge. When you read War and Peace in print you are more than aware of the journey that you are about to undertake.

Those in Edinburgh are lucky that the city is full of fantastic bookshops. When buying a physical book there is no better place to do it than a bookshop.

Not only do they offer a much more tangible experience, they are chock full of knowledgeable staff who are ready and willing to help people find what they are looking for.

Looking Glass Books is a gorgeous little bookshop and cafe tucked away inside the Quartermile’s warren-like streets. Opened in May 2012, Looking Glass Books is home to a great selection of books for children and adults.

The shop hosts lots of events, as well as a book club, and they also have a writer-in-residence, Cat Clarke. Cat writes in Looking

Glass Books every other week and manager Gillian Robertson says that “lots of people who are interested in writing” stop by for a chat.

Edinburgh also has more than its fair share of secondhand bookshops. Armchair Books

in West Port is a book-lover’s paradise. This tiny shop has so many books

squashed inside that sometimes they literally jump off the

shelves and into hands. But with its brilliant selection of tomes in every possible category, from sci-fi to sports, and poetry to politics, there is

something to suit everyone. There is a West Port Book

Festival every November. The festival’s aim is to “offer free events to

a diverse audience who share our passion for books, bookshops and fun”.

Edinburgh’s literary scene is well established, so get out there and visit a bookshop, because physical books are here to stay. Rachel Small

Opposite and this page: Old Town Book Shop is nestled in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.

Photography: Nadia Younes

It’s the final chapter for e-readers as books make a comeback

INPRINT Grab a book at...

• Looking Glass Books Ltd,36 Simpson Loan,Quartermile,Edinburgh EH3 9GG.www.lookingglassbooks.com

• Armchair Books72-74 West Port, Edinburgh, EH1 2LEwww.armchairbooks.co.uk

• West Port Book Festivalwww.westportbookfestival.org/about

“They say you should never judge a book

by its cover, but some are just too beautiful not to”


the Seven Dwarfs. It was a resounding success and took in $8.5m at its original release, the equivalent of $416m today.

Even though Snow White is nearly 80 years old, it is still as popular as ever and in 2012, Universal Studios decided to retell this story for a modern audience. Instead of a damsel in distress, Snow White was portrayed as a strong, courageous woman, ready to go into battle to reclaim her kingdom. No more singing down a wishing well or cleaning the cottage

I was terrified of her, but I was so drawn to her. She had this elegance and grace, and yet she was so cruel.”

With the early reaction to the trailer of Maleficent proving to be positive, Disney has set about re-telling another one of their

classics, Cinderella. Due for release in 2015, the film already has some

big names attached to it such as Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter, who have signed on to play the Wicked Stepmother and Fairy Godmother respectively.

There is also a brewing box office showdown between

Disney and Warner Bros. as both of these studios have announced

they are remaking Beauty and the Beast. With the director of the dark Pan’s Labyrinth, Guillermo del Toro, attached to the Warner Bros. version, it will be interesting to see how the two fare when they go head-to-head.

While the revamp of these classic stories may never match the frightening tones of the original tales that they are based on, these new live-action remakes are sure to be a hit at the box office – especially with adults keen to see familiar faces from their childhood updated for the 21st century. Amy Grant

ALL CHILDREN love fairytales; tales of princesses with their beautiful dresses

and Prince Charmings ready to sweep them off their feet to live happily ever after. But now some of these classic tales are being retold and are ready to be unleashed upon a generation eager to see their childhood reinvented.

In 1937, the Walt Disney Animation Studios saw the potential of telling a fairytale through moving images and unveiled its first feature length animation, Snow White and

ONCE UPON A DREAM

The stories of our childhood are getting darker and a bit more Grimm

with the help of woodland creatures; instead, in came a modern-day feminist hero with weapons, armour and attitude.

With the darker take on the classic tale proving a victory, Disney has decided to go one step further and devote an entire film to one of their most popular villains, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. This wicked fairy with a menacing laugh and heart of stone was feared by all. It was her curse which caused Princess Aurora to be put under the medieval version of witness protection - living with fairies in the woods. When Sleeping Beauty was released in 1959, Maleficent left children running from cinemas crying in fear; an ideal antagonist for Disney’s desired dark fairytale and more akin to the earlier publication by Brothers Grimm which dates back to the middle ages.

Maleficent puts the villain at the centre of the story and retells the tale from her point of view. What used to be a delightful children's movie has been stripped apart and rebuilt from scratch. Even the iconic song Once Upon a Dream has been re-recorded by Lana Del Rey, whose haunting tone creates a sinister atmosphere. Angelina Jolie’s performance of the evil fairy is powerful and dark. Jolie revealed, at the Disney D23 expo last year, that she was so terrifying when in character that her own daughter Vivienne Jolie-Pitt had to be cast as young Aurora; because she “was the only four year old who didn't scream when she saw me.”

When asked about having the chance to play Maleficent in the retelling, she said: “Since I was a little girl, Maleficent was always my favourite.

Illustrations: Katherine Castro

“She had this elegance and yet she was so cruel” Angelina Jolie on

Maleficent


PEELING OFF THE WAX

The Aberdeen label creating eclectic vinyl for a new age of music lovers

CLOISTERED in the centre of Scotland’s music scene is Tuff Wax Records; an

offbeat, boutique label whose host of experimental producers and budding artists have helped bring vinyl to the 21st century.

Founders Tom Banks (aka Lockah), Shaun Fowler and Calum Minellas (aka Bones and Money) spoke to Impulse about how they launched their vinyl revival.

Tuff Wax first emerged onto the scene back in 2009 with the 7”

Aberdeen Truth Vol.1. It was Tom’s debut release and his brainchild’s first tangible creation, stemming from his love of the hip-hop vinyl culture: “I wanted to add to vinyl legacy, but I also had an aim to build an expectation - that Tuff Wax could put out good music and people would know to trust it,” says Tom.

“We all have a background of loving a wide range of musical sounds and since getting together creatively that has only expanded,” says Shaun. “Like a lot of people, I spent a good part of

my youth in my bedroom making music with keyboards or guitars.”

Tom agrees, and waxes nostalgic about his own musical development. “When I was younger I used to buy vinyl and tapes from the local record shop. Once I finished school and left home I had to make music on headphones so DJing and production took centre stage, and now here we are.”

Shaun describes how the vibrant club scene in Aberdeen at the time played a big part in the birth of the label. “A lot of passion and

motivation was building up. Club music was king. Loads of friends were making really

great electronic music and we wanted to create a platform for them to

showcase that.”Their diverse music range defies categorisation. When trying to put a pin on their sound, Shaun stumbles: “After 15 releases

it’s pretty difficult to generally describe our music. Our sound is

broad and we’re always open to new artists because there’s not really a Tuff Wax shaped box that they need to fit into. >

“I wanted to add to vinyl

legacy”

Opposite: Tom Banks (Lockah)This page: Shaun Fowler and Calum Minellas (Bones and Money) Photography throughout: Dean Gray


Everything’s online. Every note, beat and lyric is transformed into its own rhythm of ones and zeroes - digital music for the digital age. In 2013, nearly 800,000 vinyl albums were sold. The bestsellers were Arctic Monkeys’ AM and Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories. Annual events like Record Store Day have helped boost vinyl sales, with artists releasing limited edition vinyl to be stocked in independent record stores. Life moves so fast now that we’ve forgotten about the simple pleasure of putting on a record, moving the needle, sitting back and drifting into another world. For young people wanting to stand out from the crowd, vinyl is an appealing alternative to the impersonal nature of digital buying. Michael Gardiner and Calum Macdonald

> Our label’s image has always been more about the people behind it than any one major style.”

After almost five years, they’re optimistic about their future. Calum says: “At the moment we’re concentrating on getting our next few records out, building up the catalogue and constantly improving everything we do. New interesting artists approach and opportunities come up. Whatever happens over the course of that year rarely reflects our initial plan.”

Tuff Wax has become a Scottish cultural touchstone in the midst of a booming vinyl revival. With their musical background, range of styles and dedication to exposing new artists, they’ve added to the vinyl legacy and inspired the next generation of music moguls.Calum Macdonald

HIGH FIDELITY THE VINYL COMEBACK

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How did you first get involved in VJing?I was VJing as a hobby for three years whilst I worked in a call centre. Finally last year I made the decision to put all my time into creating visuals and getting gigs. I’m still waiting for a foot in the door when a DJ scoops me up and asks me to go on tour, but hopefully it won’t be long.

How would you describe your visuals?I try to create a dreamlike sequence of distorted shapes and patterns. It’s a free flowing entourage of colours that change as the music progresses.

What has been your best VJ experience?I think the best visual display I have created to date was with TLF Presents for Pleasurekraft and Bontan in Aberdeen. I had the stage space to create a large 3D display that fully surrounded the DJ. I felt like I had created something very surreal and the feedback I received after the gig was phenomenal.

What’s next for you?My first big booking of the year was Dunbar’s Audio Soup in March. I should be busy throughout summer playing at festivals and events. I love playing at festivals so hopefully I can take my visual shows to as many as possible.Karen Kelly

FOR YEARS underground music could only be found in dingy basement bars and low rent crash pads. It could

only be bought on crude home-recorded cassettes, and read about in shabby, handwritten fanzines. Thriving in the darkest corners of the world, as pop polluted the airwaves above, the underground was almost literal. However, in the current digital age, it has taken on a new guise.

Critics may argue that the underground is dead, with all music now easily accessible online, but the underground is not simply about access. It is an attitude, a philosophy that has been revitalised through digital innovations.

Scotland’s underground scene is no exception. Many web-based Scottish labels, such as Song, By Toad and Olive Grove, still retain the underground’s DIY ethics and distribute physical products. “DIY or Die” has

become the scene’s unofficial motto, summing up the situation for both musicians and listeners.

Jon Adam, of Edinburgh experimental rock outfit VASQUEZ, believes social media and websites like Bandcamp and

Soundcloud have revolutionised the way bands distribute music: “The web has made

the tools needed to create music of any kind readily available for anyone, anytime, anywhere and given everyone the opportunity to share and distribute their output for free if they choose.”

This new reality may be a far cry from the days of dusty, static-ridden four track recorders, but audiences remain the same and physical music is still selling well, according to Darren Yeats, co-owner of VoxBox Music: “Cassettes

are undergoing a revival. The first Cassette Store Day was last year.

The vinyl revival has been powered by grassroots

support too. It’s still niche.”

The advances in digital technology have also broken up tribalism between scenes. Prior to the Internet,

underground scenes were very

much isolated from each other. Now

bands can converse with fans, provide updates, and

book gigs all using social media. VASQUEZ’s Jon Adam says: “I would

consider myself part of a digital scene now.” The practice of the underground may have

changed in the years since bootleg tapes and fanzines, but at its heart the scene is still one of unbreakable camaraderie and artistic freedom and it continues to defy the status quo.. Michael Gardiner

TAKE a look at the charts today and you will undoubtedly notice that many of the top ten

hits are by DJs. Most of us will have been to see these DJs, in concert or at a festival, crushed in a crowd, or knee deep in the mud. But while the music is great, it’s no secret that watching a DJ spin decks does not always make for the most enthralling viewing; enter the underappreciated VJ.

The job of a VJ, or video jockey, is to produce and display manipulations of selected visuals that are often combined with performance art, such as music.

We spoke to VJ Planet Arm, also known as Matthew Ralph, an up and coming Scottish VJ, whose work you may have already seen, without even knowing it.

See more of Matthew’s work www.stagevisuals.com/vjplanetarm/

VJs are vital to any music show but you’ve probably never heard of them

SOUND & VISIONDIY OR

How subculture has survived the internet

Photography: Zoe McArthur

Photography: Matthew Ralph

DIE

57Impulse Sportwww.impulsemag-online.com56

in advance as it allows me to focus on the Commonwealth Games, rather than

chasing a qualifying time.”With the competition less

than four months away, Eilish has been pushing her body to the limit at a high-altitude training camp located in East Africa.

Dwarfed by the impressive Great Rift Valley, the small

Kenyan town of Iten lies hidden in the remote African mountains. >

THE KENYAN TRAIL

Olympian Eilish McColgan goes from high numbers to

high altitudes

A FEW years ago, mere mention of the McColgan surname in athletics circles

would immediately conjure up tales of a young, fair-haired, Dundee-born runner, Liz. But fast forward to the present day and it’s her daughter Eilish who has been making significant strides on the athletics track.

Over the last two years, the steeplechaser has completed a remarkable rise to the top of international athletics, just like her Mum, who ran to gold in the 10,000 metres at the 1986 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games.

Chasing the family’s legacy on the running track hasn’t always been on Eilish’s agenda though: “I was never fully aware my Mum was a professional athlete. After I finished my maths and accountancy degree, I then decided I wanted to become a full-time athlete.”

It has been a whirlwind journey for the 23 year old, who went from studying for a degree to competing at the London Olympics, in her first experience of a major championship: “I had gone from competing at the Scottish University Championships in Grangemouth to 80,000 spectators inside the Olympic stadium. It was a huge jump up in competition for me.”

Eilish was named one of the first 27 athletes chosen to represent Scotland at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow: “It’s a bit of a relief to be selected so far

‘‘After finishing my degree I

decided I wanted to become an

athlete”

All photos courtesy of Eilish McColgan

Eilish training in Iten, Kenya


“While on a run along the dirt paths, you find

yourself running alongside Olympic

champions”

> It has become a breeding ground for many of the world’s finest distance runners. With a population of just over 4,000, of which roughly a quarter are athletes, the town has produced a plethora of world and Olympic champions, all without the funding or facilities of western countries.

This noticeable trend has led to the who’s who of international track athletes, including Eilish herself, travelling to the remote region of Africa to train in the thinner air: “While on a run along the dirt paths you find yourself running alongside Olympic champions and world record holders. The fact that the town is situated at 8,000 feet above sea level means training is extremely difficult.”

Currently, Eilish is ranked fourth in the world at her discipline behind three Kenyans. After training with some of the world’s best athletes, she hopes to emulate her Mum’s success at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this year. Andrew Ross

Scottish wrestlers haven’t thrown in the towel just yet as Insane Championship

Wrestling is leading a revival

SQUARE GO!

TODAY, even just uttering the words ‘professional wrestling’ in conversation will receive a bit of a sneer: “You know it’s fake, don’t you?”, “It’s pretend

fighting!”, “I loved it...when I was younger!” are regular responses. It’s shrugged off as something for children and taking an interest in the sport after the realities of adulthood set in is just, well, embarrassing.

But if the popularity of Glasgow-based independent promotion company, Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), is anything to go by, there should be no sneering in sight. Their cult fan-base is extremely passionate and notoriously rowdy, creating an ultra-violent Rocky Horror Picture Show environment.

The company, run by Mark Dallas, puts on exclusive shows for over 18s, who have become frustrated with an increasingly sanitised version of wrestling: “Everything else seems too aimed at a younger audience these days, even though the late 90s were a time when wrestling was the number one rated show in a lot of countries around the world. We go after that fanbase.”

The last few years have seen ICW’s success skyrocket. They were featured in a BBC documentary, Insane Fight Club, earlier this year, which showcased their sell-out show at the Picturehouse during last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

With their first show in London taking place in May this year, Dallas has very high hopes for the promotion’s future: “I want to run every major city in the UK eventually and then possibly some cities around mainland Europe. A TV deal is the end game, and if we have to produce TV every week of the year, we will simply have to branch out and run new cities and venues.”

With mainstream crossover exposure and endorsements from celebrity fans, such as Still Game’s Greg Hemphill and Burnistoun’s Rab Florence, ICW looks set to grab the attention of the nation, twist it into a scorpion deathlock and force it into submission.Owen O’Donnell

To purchase tickets for upcoming events or to find out more about ICW, visit their website at: www.insanewrestling.co.uk

Ticket Information

Above: Red Lightning and WolfgangBelow: Renfrew

Photography: David J. Wilson


W HEN the towering highs of his early career came to a halt, after being guilty of using blood

boosting drug EPO in 2004, David Millar lost two years of his career and found himself ridiculed by the cycling community. This type of scandal would leave many athletes utterly broken but not David.

He has since clawed his way back, achieving even more success and now he’s Scotland’s greatest living road cyclist. David retires this year as he defends his Commonwealth titles in Glasgow.

David discusses his excitement and the issues surrounding his return home to cap off a standout career in front of his countrymen.

This coming July you’ll be representing Scotland at the Games in Glasgow. Are you excited to be racing in front of a home crowd?“It’s the main reason I’m so motivated. For sure, if it was in a different country I’d be going, yet being in Scotland, and in particular Glasgow, it’s very special. It will be quite a magic few days for me, something I’ll never forget.”

Winning both gold and bronze in 2010 certainly gives you momentum. Are you feeling confident about heading into this year's Games?“Confident would be a strong word to use, I would say I am ambitious. I would like nothing

more than to get a medal in my final Games in front of a home crowd. Winning a gold would be a dream. The competition is going to be fierce, though, as some of the best cyclists in the world are members of the Commonwealth. It’s going to be as hard as any race I do on the professional circuit.”

With your role in the World Anti-Doping Agency and your recent success, is this year an excellent end to your career?“It’s one of the reasons I’ve chosen this year

as my final. It feels like a perfect final chapter what with the Tour de

France starting in the UK, the Commonwealth

Games in Scotland, and the World

Championships in Spain, my adopted home.”

How do you feel about the track you’ll be racing on through

Glasgow?“The course is good,

it’s a racers course. Tactics aren’t quite as

important as they often are. Bit of a ‘he who dares..’ sort of

parcours. My type of thing in other words.”

With Scotland holding the Games and the referendum in the same year, are you worried that Scottish athletes will get caught up in that debate at these coming Games?“I don’t think so. These things [the Games] tend to transcend politics and it’s one of the reasons we all tend to enjoy them so much. It’s more about patriotism than nationalism.”Michael MillarLAST LAP

MILLAR’SThe Scottish cyclist defends his title on home turf

Photos courtesy of Team Garmin Sharp

This page and opposite: Millar taking part in the Tour de France

62 www.impulsemag-online.com

A GLIMMER OF GOLD

Three to Watch

1. Chad Le Clos SwimmingThe South

African is the most likely to step, or swim,

into the position Michael Phelps has left as the

global superstar of the sport.

While he’s not yet confirmed

his appearance, let’s hope he

attends with his dad in tow for some poolside

hysterics.

2. Louis Smith GymnasticsAfter taking a

break from the sport, following his success at London 2012,

the Englishman returned to

training at the start of the year and is aiming for glory at Glasgow

2014.

3. Usain Bolt Athletics

The undisputed king of sprinting

has gone on record saying

he’d love to be at Glasgow for the Games. It certainly won’t be as much fun

without him.

NEARLY a quarter of the world’s population will be watching intently as the Commonwealth Games get

under way this summer. It will mark the first time in 28 years the competition has been held in Scotland, and will provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for many young Scottish athletes to compete in front of the world.

Seven years ago, the decision to award the Games to Glasgow was announced as the city beat off fierce competition from the Nigerian city of Abuja. The sheer joy and elation of winning the right to

host the Games still lingers in the memory of many Scots, but it will pale into insignificance

come 23 July, when spines will tingle with excitement as the opening ceremony

gets under way at Celtic Park in Glasgow’s East End.

The Games will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in the country, with world-class facilities, such as the new Emirates Arena,

joining existing stadia such as Hampden Park (where the track

and field hopefuls will compete).One of Scotland’s hotly tipped

track athletes, Eilidh Child, hopes to do one better than the silver medal she received

This page: Glasgow will host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Opposite: Althetes from all over the world will compete.

in the 400m hurdles four years ago. “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to run in front of a home crowd in a major championship so I plan on taking it all in and enjoying it as much as I can.”

Another athlete limbering up for the games is Glasgow swimmer, Michael Jamieson. The returning Olympic silver medallist has high hopes of thrilling the home crowd after his near death experience in November last year. Jamieson had to have his heart restarted after an intensive training session for this years’ Games. The 200m breaststroke specialist believes that this setback was evidence of his hunger to win: “I think it shows just how much is being put in to preparing for this summer.”

With the weight of the nation on their shoulders, the Scottish athletes wait intently for the crack of the starting pistol, the roar of the crowd and the lure of the finish line. Lewis Carr and Andrew Ross

As the nation awaits this year’s Commonwealth Games, we give you a run down of the Scottish athletes to watch.

“Jamieson’s heart stopped during training for the

Games”

Opposite: Glasgow swimmer in trainingThis page: Gymnast Ruby Harrold, cyclists at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, The Road to 2014

Photography: Paul Devlin

64 www.impulsemag-online.com

EVERYONE loves a good bar of chocolate, and with the UK constantly topping

league tables for chocolate consumption, we’ve certainly got a sweeter tooth than most. But if you’re after something a bit more gourmet than a Mars bar, why not check out these choc-tastic landmarks.

Hotel Chocolatwww.hotelchocolat.com/uk

In this shop off Princes Street you can find everything a chocaholic could possibly want; from solid chocolate to fondue kits. In the back of the shop there is a chocolate bar where you can warm up with a hot chocolate or chocolate shots. If unsure about what you fancy, the staff will happily give you a few samples.

The Chocolate Treewww.the-chocolate-tree.co.uk

This lovely chocolate shop in Bruntsfield has walls lined with everyone’s favourite chocolate treats. The shop also offers chocolate tastings in their back room.

SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE

Coco Chocolatewww.cocochocolate.co.uk

With three locations in Edinburgh, this is a must

see for an adventurous chocoholic. These gorgeous shops offer an assortment of different chocolate combinations.

Also, their Chocolate School at their Midlothian

Chocolate Kitchens offers the opportunity to learn how to make

your favourite chocolates.

Choco-Lattewww.choco-latte.co.uk

While this shop is small, it has it all from fudge, to sweets to cakes.You will love the cozy atmosphere

as well as all the delectable samples. This shop can be

found on South Clerk Street, and the cakes are to die for.

Chocolate Lounge

www.chocolate-lounge.co.uk

Located in Harvey Nichols, by St. Andrews Square, this lounge offers upscale chocolate

cocktails, if you are looking for a posh chocolate

experience. Julie Larsen

No matter what chocolate you prefer, these shops have just what you need to satisfy that craving

Hotel Chocolat

Cakes from The Chocolate Tree

Gelato from The Chocolate Tree

Photography: Julie Larsen

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